ALA Excellence in Library Programming Award

About the ALA Excellence in Library Programming AwardThe ALA Excellence in Library Programming Award recognizes a library that demonstrates excellence in library programming by creating a cultural/thematic program type or program series, presented during the preceding year (September 1 - August 31), that engages the community in planning, sponsorship and/or active participation, addresses an identified community need, and has a measurable impact.

Administered by:

2018 Winner(s)

Joliet (IL) Public Library

for their program “Star Wars Day.”

Joliet Library hosts the largest Disney approved Star Wars event of its kind in the world. The program is successful because the Library has keyed in on a universally cherished movie franchise that has enjoyed continual success for the past 40 years. Started in 2009, the span and scope of Joliet’s Star Wars Day has grown exponentially each year, becoming a small Star Wars convention and attracting over 10,000 visitors from several states